Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today said a core committe should be constituted for involving locals in implementation of schemes for developing forests in the state.

"People's participation is very important to implement schemes related to forests. Success of a scheme depends on the theoretical knowledge of officials and practical experiences of people living around the forests," Pokhriyal told forest officials at a function here.

To encourage people participation, the CM said, a core committee comprising 4 or 5 forest officials should be constituted. This committee should also organise and encourage forest panchayats.

"There are nearly 12,000 forest panchayats in the state. If 10 people are associated with each panchayat on an average, a strong and dedicated force of over one lakh people will be available with the forest department," he said.